Article 11Release of information

1.

The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision, as appropriate and in accordance with the needs of EUTM Mali, EU classified information generated for the purposes of EUTM Mali, in accordance with Council Decision 2011/292/EU of 31 March 2011 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information3:

(a)

up to the level provided in the applicable security of information agreements concluded between the Union and the third State concerned; or

(b)

up to the ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL’ level in other cases.

2.

The HR shall also be authorised to release to the UN and ECOWAS in accordance with the operational needs of EUTM Mali, EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level which are generated for the purposes of EUTM Mali, in accordance with Decision 2011/292/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the UN and ECOWAS shall be drawn up for this purpose.

3.

In the event of a specific and immediate operational need, the HR shall also be authorised to release to the host State any EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level which are generated for the purposes of EUTM Mali, in accordance with Decision 2011/292/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the host State shall be drawn up for this purpose.

4.

The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision any EU non-classified documents connected with the deliberations of the Council relating to EUTM Mali and covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council’s Rules of Procedure4.

5.

The HR may delegate the powers referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4, as well as the ability to conclude the arrangements referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 to staff of the European External Action Service and/or to the EU Mission Commander F1and/or to the EU Mission Force Commander.